Jose White Lafitte

Full biography Jose White Lafitte

Jose Silvestre White Lafitte, also known as Joseph White , was a Cuban-French composer and violinist born in Matanzas, Cuba in 1835. He was the son of Don Carlos White and an Afro-Cuban mother. White was a talented musician who began learning music at an early age. He received his first violin lessons from his father, a violinist and conductor, and later studied under the guidance of renowned Cuban composer and violinist, Jose Miguel Roman, and Belgian musician Pedro Haserf.

White Lafitte's music was heavily influenced by Cuban and French styles , and his works are characterized by their virtuosity and lyricism. He composed a number of works for the violin, including several violin concertos, chamber music, and solo pieces. His most famous work is the habanera La Bella Cubana, which he wrote for two violins.

White Lafitte's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and recognition for his compositions. He won the first prize for violin at the Conservatoire de Paris in 1856, becoming the first non-European to win the prize. In addition, he was appointed Knight of the Legion of Honor, and awarded the Medal of Merit by the Cuban government for his contributions to music.

Despite his accomplishments, White Lafitte faced discrimination and racism throughout his life due to his mixed-race heritage. He experienced difficulties in finding work as a musician and had to endure negative stereotypes and prejudice.

Today, White Lafitte is recognized as an important figure in the history of classical music and a trailblazer for black composers. His works continue to be performed and appreciated by musicians and audiences around the world.